Scituate residents invited to weigh in on economic development study

Thursday

May 15, 2014 at 7:45 AMMay 15, 2014 at 7:47 AM

The Scituate Economic Development Commission and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council will host an open house from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Scituate Harbor Community Building to hear thoughts on an economic development study.

Jessica Trufant The Patriot Ledger @JTrufant_Ledger

SCITUATE – Wanted: Ideas for town’s economic growth

While being on the coast bolsters Scituate’s tourism and maritime industry, experts say the town will need to increase beach access, parking in the harbor and year-round activities if it wants to leverage its seaside location for economic growth.

The Scituate Economic Development Commission and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council will host an open house from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Scituate Harbor Community Building to people’s thoughts on an economic development study.

The study, conducted by the planning council, is intended to help the town strengthen its commercial base during the next 10 to 15 years.

Matt Smith, senior regional planner for the MAPC, went before selectmen in March with a draft of the study, which used market analysis to identify demographics and economic trends of the town, which now relies on a tax base that is 95.5 percent residential. It is also based on a 2012 survey that nearly 700 residents responded to.

According to the study, residents who responded said their top preferences for new types of businesses include recreational facilities, health food stores, specialty shops, hotels/inns and a grocery store. They most frequently cited the harbor, Route 3A, the Driftway, North Scituate and Greenbush as potential areas to develop.

Smith said the commercial base could grow by 1 or 2 percent with some initiatives taken during the next few years if the town builds on its existing strengths.

For example, Smith suggested that the town maximize its waterfront access with recreational activities like the renting of paddle boards, kayaks and boats.

Residents are invited to attend the meeting to see the study, offer opinions to help prioritize economic development goals and strategies, and participate in mapping exercises. The meeting will kick off with a presentation, which will be replayed throughout the evening.